books.google.com - Written in clear, lively prose and supported by Jannson's impeccable research, this highly respected book analyzes the evolution of the American welfare state from colonial times to present--not only covering three centuries of historical developments, but contemporary policies in the first years of...https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Reluctant_Welfare_State.html?id=BCZHAAAAMAAJ&utm_source=gb-gplus-shareThe Reluctant Welfare State

The Reluctant Welfare State: American Social Welfare Policies--past, Present, and Future

Written in clear, lively prose and supported by Jannson's impeccable research, this highly respected book analyzes the evolution of the American welfare state from colonial times to present--not only covering three centuries of historical developments, but contemporary policies in the first years of the 21st century--and it places social policy in its political, cultural, and societal context. Using social policy history as a catalyst, Jansson invites students to think critically about issues, developments, and policies in prior eras and in contemporary society, and he inspires students to develop their own "policy identity." This book uniquely links social welfare policy to an empowerment perspective, showing how African Americans, Latinos, women, gays and lesbians, Asian Americans, Native Americans, the elderly, poor people, and other vulnerable populations, as well as social reformers, have achieved progressive reforms through policy advocacy. By making these powerful connections among historical events, current social welfare policy, and the profession of social work, Jannson illustrates how a deep understanding of the past can inform our present and future actions.

About the author (2005)

Bruce S. Jansson (MA, University of Chicago and Harvard University; PhD, University of Chicago) is Professor in the Department of Social Work at the University of Southern California (USC). He joined the USC faculty in 1973 after working in Michigan as a community organizer and planner for tenant rights. His scholarly interests focus on advancing case advocacy and policy advocacy in social work, as well as examining the history and practice of social welfare policy. He also has served as the Moses Distinguished Research Professor at the City University of New York Graduate Center. Jansson is probably most well-known for the book THE SIXTEEN TRILLION DOLLAR MISTAKE: HOW THE U.S. BUNGLED ITS NATIONAL PRIORITIES FROM THE NEW DEAL TO THE PRESENT (2001). The author of several other titles, Jansson is currently working on two books. One discusses how social workers and other staff in the health and human services can link case and policy advocacy in different sectors including mental health, child welfare, corrections, education, and civil rights. The other analyzes why the United States has not significantly reduced health disparities in the last five decades, and whether the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 will achieve this result.

Bibliographic information

Title

The Reluctant Welfare State: American Social Welfare Policies--past, Present, and Future